Head Of Post-Sept. 11 Health Programs To Be Replaced

July 7, 2008 7:34 a.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - The White House is replacing John Howard as head of the agency in charge of health programs for Sept. 11 ground zero workers in spite of appeals from advocacy groups and Health Secretary Mike Leavitt to reappoint him.

Centers for Disease Control Director Dr. Julie Gerberding met with Howard last Thursday to inform him that he will not be re-appointed at the end of his term as director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on July 14.

Howard has accepted a short-term post as senior advisor to Gerberding to facilitate the transition of health programs.

NIOSH Associate Director Christine Branche will serve as acting director until someone is permanently appointed to the post.